Paul Kushner
The dry martini, a beloved classic among cocktail enthusiasts for over a century, combines gin and vermouth, often garnished with olives or a lemon twist. Its origin is debated, with tales of its creation in San Francisco during the Gold Rush or late 19th-century New York City. Regardless of its history, it remains an iconic global favorite.
For crafting a perfect dry martini at home, use top-notch gin and vermouth. While the gin-to-vermouth ratio can be tailored to your taste, a common starting point is two parts gin to one part vermouth. Feel free to experiment with various garnishes to discover your ideal finishing touch. Cheers to enjoying this simple yet sophisticated cocktail!
History
The dry martini has a rich history, often attributed to bartender Martini di Arma di Taggia, who reputedly served it in New York in 1911. H.L. Menken even hailed it as “the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet.” This cocktail likely gained popularity with the rise of London Dry gin and the marketing efforts of Martini & Rossi in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, proclaiming, “It’s not a Martini unless you use Martini.”
A dry martini contains minimal vermouth, and ordering it “extra dry” reduces or eliminates vermouth. By the Roaring Twenties, it was a common choice, and over time, vermouth usage decreased. The classic Dry Martini recipe includes Gin and dry Vermouth, garnished with a green Olive or Lemon twist. Julio Richelieu is credited with creating the first dry martini in 1906.
How to Make It
Making a dry martini is a simple process that requires only a few key ingredients and some basic equipment.
Dry Martini
Here's how to make a classic dry martini:
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 oz Gin or Vodka
- 1/2 oz Dry vermouth
- Ice
Instructions
- Chill your glass: Place your martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before you start making your drink. This will help keep your drink cold.
- Combine your ingredients: Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice. Add 2 1/2 ounces of gin and 1/2 ounce of dry vermouth. Stir or shake until well chilled.
- Strain into your glass: Remove your chilled glass from the freezer and strain your martini into it. You can garnish your drink with a lemon twist or an olive, depending on your preference.
- Enjoy: Sip your martini slowly and savor the flavors.
Notes
If you prefer a wetter martini, simply add more dry vermouth to your drink. For a dirty martini, add a splash of olive brine to the mix. And if you're feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different types of gin or vermouth to find your perfect combination.
Variations
If you’re a fan of the dry martini, you may be interested in trying out some variations on the classic recipe. Here are a few options to consider:
Dirty Martini
A dirty martini is a variation that adds olive brine to the classic gin and vermouth mixture. This gives the drink a slightly salty, savory flavor that some people love. To make a dirty martini, simply add a splash of olive brine to your shaker before you mix the other ingredients.
Gibson
The Gibson is a variation that replaces the olive garnish with a cocktail onion. This gives the drink a slightly sweeter, tangier flavor than a traditional martini. To make a Gibson, simply garnish your drink with a cocktail onion instead of an olive or lemon twist.
Vesper
The Vesper is a variation that was popularized by James Bond in the novel Casino Royale. It combines gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc instead of just gin and vermouth. The result is a slightly sweeter, more complex cocktail that still has the classic martini flavor. To make a Vesper, mix 3 parts gin, 1 part vodka, and 1/2 part Lillet Blanc in a shaker with ice, and strain into a chilled glass.
Perfect Martini
A Perfect Martini is a variation that uses equal parts dry and sweet vermouth instead of just dry vermouth. This gives the drink a slightly sweeter, more complex flavor than a traditional dry martini. To make a Perfect Martini, simply use equal parts dry and sweet vermouth in your recipe.
50/50 Martini
A 50/50 Martini is a variation that uses equal parts gin and dry vermouth. This gives the drink a slightly less boozy, more balanced flavor than a traditional dry martini. To make a 50/50 Martini, simply use equal parts gin and dry vermouth in your recipe.
Overall, there are many variations on the classic dry martini that you can try. Whether you prefer a sweeter, more complex flavor or a salty, savory one, there’s a variation out there that’s perfect for you.
How do you make a classic martini?
To make a classic martini, you will need gin, dry vermouth, and ice. Fill a mixing glass with ice and add 2 1/2 ounces of gin and 1/2 ounce of dry vermouth. Stir the mixture well until it is chilled, then strain it into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or olive, and enjoy!
What are the ingredients in a martini?
The ingredients in a martini are gin or vodka and dry vermouth. The ratio of gin or vodka to vermouth can vary depending on personal preference. Some people prefer a drier martini with less vermouth, while others prefer a wetter martini with more vermouth.
What is vermouth and how is it used in a martini?
Vermouth is a fortified wine that is flavored with various botanicals, such as herbs and spices. In a martini, dry vermouth is used to add a subtle sweetness and complexity to the drink. The amount of vermouth used in a martini can vary depending on personal preference, but a classic martini typically uses about 1/2 ounce of vermouth.
What is the difference between a dry and wet martini?
A dry martini has less vermouth than a wet martini. A dry martini typically uses about 1/4 to 1/2 ounce of vermouth, while a wet martini uses more vermouth. The term “dry” refers to the fact that there is less vermouth in the drink, while the term “wet” refers to the fact that there is more vermouth in the drink.
What is the perfect martini?
The perfect martini is a personal preference and can vary from person to person. Some people prefer a classic martini with a 2:1 ratio of gin or vodka to vermouth, while others prefer a drier or wetter martini. The perfect martini is the one that you enjoy the most.
Is a dry martini made with just vodka or is there another ingredient?
A dry martini can be made with either gin or vodka. The choice of spirit is a personal preference and can vary from person to person. A classic martini is made with gin, but some people prefer a vodka martini. The use of vermouth is what distinguishes a dry martini from a straight gin or vodka martini.
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